Bill Hall Talks Astros

Before he signed with the Astros, Bill Hall drew interest from teams that wanted him to be a utility player again. The 30-year-old played seven positions for Boston in 2010 and while Hall takes pride in his versatility, he chose Houston because the Astros wanted to make him their everyday second baseman.

"I don't like the word utility player. I call myself a baseball player" Hall said on a conference call with reporters. "I'm really good at a lot of positions, but if I concentrate on one, hopefully I can be great."

Hall said he's excited about returning to the NL Central, working under manager Brad Mills and hitting for power to the opposite field. He hit 18 homers and posted a .247/.316/.456 line last year – respectable numbers that he intends to surpass in 2011.

Hall clubbed 35 homers for the Brewers in 2006, but hasn't topped 18 homers or a .456 slugging percentage since. He'll have the chance to do some damage against Milwaukee in 2011 and says he has already circled some dates on next year's schedule.